Our man Gear, Richard Gear, has been hard at work
heroically answering your questions even in the current tropical
conditions because he really does care.
So far Richard has answered over 500 of your questions and you can
find all his past answers together with a shonky search mechanism at
the Ask
Richard Gear section of the site.
Browse through his past answers or ask
a question of your own...
This week Richard answers questions about the changes to Gore-Tex
fabrics taking place later this year, considers whether it's worth
lightening your load for day walks and wrestles with the metaphysics
of leaking Gore-Tex-lined walking boots.
Q:
'Ok, so I hear about all this new fancy Gore-Tex coming out, Pro
Shell and Performance Shell. I understand the Pro Shell bit but whats
new with Performance Shell? and whats going to hapopen to XCR and
Paclite?
A: Hi there,
Gear here, Richard 'Gore-Tex' Gear, purveyor of advanced news on
Gore fabrics this morning...
The new Pro Shell and Performance Shell fabrics are due to appear
this autumn and will be coming into stores some time around August
and September. Pro Shell uses a new, lighter, more flexible woven
backer along with a membrane that, as I understand it, is similar to
XCR's membrane. It promises to be a bit lighter and a bit more
breathable as well as more flexible and durable...
Full
answer
Q:
'Lightweight pack and clothing for day walks will it make a
difference ?
A: Gear here, Richard 'Lightweight' Gear, and trust me, I
am a bit lightweight... Anyway, enough self-deprecation and on to
lightweight kit.
I think the bottom line is that most people find it more pleasant
carrying a lighter pack than a heavy one - it's simply more
comfortable and, over the course of a day, less tiring. The effect is
particularly pronounced with backpacking kit, simply because there's
more of it.
As far as day walks go, it depends a little on how much you're
carrying already...
Full
answer
Q:
'Hi, I was hiking the other day and was caught in rain, my La
Sportiva Val Di Fiemme GTX boots kept my feet dry for about two hours
and then both feet suddenly leaked, not just damp but flooded. I
could feel the water suddenly rushing in. These boots are new and are
supposed to have a Gore-Tex lining. Is it normal for Gore-Tex lined
boots to leak after being wet for a while?'
'The name is Gear, Richard 'Waterproof' Gear. The simple answer is
no, your Gore-Tex lined boots should not leak at all and are
guaranteed to keep your feet dry, so if you're sure the boots are
leaking, return them to the retailer where you bought them so they
can be tested. If faulty, they should be replaced..'
Full
answer
Check out the full Ask
Richard Gear section of the site for a searchable archive of
all Richard's past answers, some of which make sense, or ask a
question of your own...
